The global tourism sector is growing, despite conflicts and economic uncertainty. That's the finding of a new report by World Travel Market, which says the number of international arrivals is set to hit a record 1.57 billion in 2026. 

Shares of Tesla and SpaceX dropped after the Democratic party swept to power in America's midterm elections. Their founder, tech titan Elon Musk, poured over $440 million into Republican candidates and causes, the single biggest campaign donor in the election cycle. But his investment fell flat, as his preferred candidates lost races in Texas, where he has put down roots. We take a closer look.

Investors shunned AI stocks and turned to government bonds on Wednesday in the wake of the Democratic Party's takeover of Congress in the US midterm elections. Oil prices meanwhile ticked slightly higher, as uncertainty remains over the direction of US President Donald Trump's war against Iran. Also in this edition, we focus on the central issue of this midterm campaign: the rise in the cost of living.

As US voters cast their ballots in the midterm elections, the economy remains their top concern. Despite robust headline macroeconomic data, middle-class Americans are growing increasingly frustrated with the rising cost of living. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's tariffs have hit small businesses hard, leading to a significant rise in bankruptcies. Our reporter Cristobal Vasquez met with some business owners.

This Tuesday, Californians are voting on a landmark plan to impose a one-time tax on billionaires to fund the state's healthcare system. We take a closer look. Also on the show: global oil prices fell sharply on the eve of the US midterm elections. This came after Iran said it was holding intensive talks through mediators towards negotiating peace and signalled that it was ready to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US accepted its conditions. Both Brent and WTI fell by around 8 percent. 

Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil giant saw its profits rise to $36.25 billion in the third quarter, despite seeing its infrastructure and even headquarters targeted by Houthi rebels. Elevated oil prices have offset the supply disruption caused by the Iran war. Also in this edition: North Korea denies any involvement in the largest-ever crypto heist and we take a look at how Russia's strikes against Ukraine are destroying what's left of its economy.

Customers of cryptocurrency trading platform Binance withdrew some $3.4 billion of their funds on Sunday after Binance reopened trading. The company had suspended all operations after a cyberattack that compromised over $6 billion in digital assets. Also in this edition: the Wall Street Journal reports on a new US plan to restore Russian gas sales to Europe, and we look at Argentina's efforts to capitalise on Patagonia's wide open spaces to attract data centre investment.

US voters from Ohio to Illinois will decide on dozens of local measures on Tuesday, as opposition to the giant buildings powering artificial intelligence cuts across party lines. FRANCE 24's Charlotte Lam tell us more in Tech 24.

Binance, the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange, on Sunday said it would resume withdrawals after a suspension due to a major hack, which the FBI has tied ​to North Korea. The exchange said it covered 95% of the $6.3 billion in tokens stolen from its platform in the world's largest digital heist.

France's economy unexpectedly shrank in the third quarter while inflation rose more than anticipated, piling pressure on the government ahead of further nationwide protests this weekend that are ​making it ‌more difficult to cut spending. Finance Minister Roland Lescure warned that the economy could be "headed for a wall" if parliament fails to approve a deficit-reducing budget soon.  

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde will step down from her post several months early, in order to have more "freedom to engage on matters that are not monetary policy". The comments will fuel speculation about her future plans, ahead of a presidential election in her native France. The resignation also sparks a succession race, as Europe faces a turbulent fiscal future. Also in the show: oil giant TotalEnergies reports record profits as the EU warns on household energy bills. 

The economy is the number one issue for most American voters, as they worry about high food and energy costs. But can the results of November's midterm elections really impact the cost-of-living crisis? "There isn't a ton that anyone can do about it, regardless of who wins the midterms," says Greg Ip, chief economics commentator at The Wall Street Journal.

New data shows that France has the EU's highest tax burden at 46 percent of GDP, while its national debt continues to grow. Amid new street protests over lack of education funding and falling purchasing power, the government is proposing a meagre hike in the minimum wage. Also in this edition: US tech giants see their shares diverge as the AI boom pushes massive capital expenditures.

As winter approaches, the price of European natural gas has topped €100 per megawatt hour, its highest level since 2022. The EU says it's not worried about supplies, although its storage facilities are only 72 percent full, but warns households of a "difficult" season to come. Also in the show: the UK government tries to cushion the impact of high energy bills, and 200 passengers are stranded in Cambodia after their multi-year cruise was cancelled because of high fuel costs. 

With Halloween just around the corner, digital parenting coach Dr Elizabeth Milovidov gives us some expert tips on managing your child's digital safety while still letting them have fun during the spooky October holiday.  

As thousands of French businesses grapple with the fallout from recent riots, French senators are debating a new bill aimed at making not only the perpetrators but also those belonging to the same group pay for damages. The idea of "collective civil liability" divides lawmakers, with opponents saying it could potentially violate people's democratic rights to protest as some might stay clear of demonstrations for fear of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

US artificial intelligence giant Anthropic files public regulatory paperwork as it gets set to launch on the stock market. Also in this edition: France plans a special disaster fund for businesses hit by riots and looting, and Apple's new top-of-the-line folding iPhone screen shows some unwanted lines of its own.

AI giant Anthropic has publicly filed for an initial public offering (IPO) with US market regulators. The document offered a glimpse into the company's finances but also contained nearly 100 pages related to risks around investing in the firm. The filing revealed that in the first half of 2026, its revenue soared to $16.3 billion while its net loss widened to over $80 billion. Plus: London's iconic Oxford Street, one of Europe's busiest shopping areas, has been partially pedestrianised. 

Italy's diesel-price protest halts buffalo mozzarella production, with producers estimating €3 million in losses in just 24 hours as milk fails to reach dairies and finished cheeses cannot reach customers. In banking, Barclays announces it will cut around 5,000 jobs – roughly 5 percent of its workforce – as it uses artificial intelligence to reduce costs. This comes as Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang urges "responsible optimism" on AI in Berlin, even as AI-exposed stocks slide.

One in four Europeans has fallen victim to an online scam, from identity fraud to fake romances. The rise of artificial intelligence is ushering in new risks. Minh Nguyen, Chief Product Officer at security solutions provider Entrust, says both online platforms and governments can play a role in protecting consumers and businesses.